MathLabs

Problem 2

Let AA be one of the two distinct intersection points of unequal coplanar circles C1,C2C_1,C_2 with centers O1,O2O_1,O_2. One common tangent touches them at P1,P2P_1,P_2, and the other at Q1,Q2Q_1,Q_2. Let M1,M2M_1,M_2 be the midpoints of P1Q1,P2Q2P_1Q_1,P_2Q_2. Prove that ∠O1AO2=∠M1AM2\angle O_1AO_2=\angle M_1AM_2.
Step 4 of 5: Compare the two centers
∠O1AM1=∠O2AM2\angle O_1AM_1=\angle O_2AM_2
Detailed analysis

Because S,O1,O2S,O_1,O_2 are collinear, the rays SO1SO_1 and SO2SO_2 represent the same line. Therefore the two angles in Step 3 have equal directed values: ∠O1AM1=∠O1SA=∠O2SA=∠O2AM2\angle O_1AM_1=\angle O_1SA=\angle O_2SA=\angle O_2AM_2.